a dazzling and very rare antique large silk embroidered Turkmen / Turkoman Ikat bag , dating to 19th Century and made by the ersari tribe, likely around middle of Amu Darya region. These bags are known as Bokhcha (also written as Boqcha, Bokcha, Bocha) and their primary function was to cover valuable books such as Korans. Some suggest they were used to contain precious items such as jewelry or other precious textiles. There is a distinctive beauty to a good Turkoman embroidery that is different from that of their neighboring group, the Uzbek people as this exceptional example shows. The beautiful silk embroidery, delicately chain-stitched on green wool bannot ground, draws wonderful repeating Eagle motif in red, yellow and white. This on its own is visually dazzling. But the use of incredible ikat patches on both sides to finish off the bag is something seldom seen. This unique element elevates this piece and makes it extremely unique. It is lined with classic striped cotton fabric and finished with a long finely chain stitched silk band that would wrap around the piece. The colours are beautiful. This wonderful ethnographic textile art is large and in good shape and offered at fair price. Email your questions. size 50cm x 49cm (20" x 19.7")